Embraer said at the NBAA Convention in Orlando this week that its first prototype of the Legacy 500 midsize jet will be ready for first flight within the next few weeks. The all-new jet is aimed to fill the gap between the light Phenom models and the big-cabin 600 and 650. The jet, with a stand-up cabin that seats 12, can fly at Mach .82 for 3,000 nm. The company has two other prototypes in the works for the flight-test program and said first deliveries of the jet will take place in 2014.
As flight testing proceeds, the company is already working on a support network. “The Legacy 500 will have all product support in place worldwide before entry into service,” said Edson Carlos Mallaco, vice president of customer support and services. “One of our goals is to have Embraer owned and authorized service centers prepared to receive the Legacy 500 on its first day.”
